A motorway slip road is set to be shut for almost a month, it has been announced.

Graham, the contractors working on the multi-million pound Stockbury Roundabout scheme alongside National Highways, say drivers will not be able to exit the M2 coastbound at junction 5 for Sittingbourne.

From Friday (May 17) until Monday, June 10, the slip road - along with a lane on the A249 Sheppey-bound from Stockbury Roundabout towards Key Street - will be closed.

A diversion is in place, with drivers told to leave the M2 at Blue Bell Hill and follow the A229, M20 and A249 to access the Stockbury Roundabout.

The announcement comes following the confirmation of another closure this weekend.

Both lanes of the A249 northbound, towards Sittingbourne, will be closed between the Stockbury Roundabout and Key Street from 8pm to 5am on Friday (May 17) and Saturday (May 18).

During the closures, motorists will be diverted via the A2 through Rainham. They should use the M2 London-bound, Hoath Way, the A2 and Sheppey Way to rejoin the A249 Sheppey-bound.

For non-motorway traffic, a diversion is in place via the A249, A229 at Blue Bell Hill, A2 and Sheppey Way.

Graham explained the closures are necessary for work to extend the A249 Sheppey-bound carriageway as part of a £92 million scheme to build a flyover and improve the sliproads at the junction.

A spokesperson said: “This closure is necessary, but will impact many road users.

“Once complete, this will provide space for traffic coming from the Stockbury Roundabout and M2 coastbound to safely merge with traffic from the flyover.

“We’ve previously been able to work on this section by closing the M2 coastbound to A249 Sheppey-bound dedicated link with all traffic going to the roundabout.

“However, as this can cause queues on the M2, for safety reasons we’ve had to make the difficult decision to fully close the slip while we complete this work.

“Traffic will be monitored throughout the closure to ensure traffic flows as smooth and as safe as possible.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your ongoing patience while we work to improve M2 junction 5 Stockbury Roundabout.”

The M2 London-bound on and off slips will be open as usual.

The scheme, which began three years ago, is set to be completed in winter 2025, with the flyover itself expected to be ready by July.

Following that the works will mainly involve landscaping and construction and will not be as disruptive, National Highways says.